Instructions for counting the omer are found on our Omer Overview Page. You can find the specific blessing for today at chabad.org.

We’re dedicating a new Sefer Torah on the first day of Shavuot. In honor of this joyous occasion, we’re using the counting of the Omer to take a whirlwind trip through the Torah

Today’s portion is Vayigash from the book of Genesis. Today’s insight was generously provided by Eric A.

Verses of note: Genesis 45:24

What caught your attention in this parashah?

After reuniting with his brothers, giving them lavish gifts and asking them to bring their father to Egypt, it seems odd that Joseph’s last words to his brothers before they set off for Beer-sheba are “do not become agitated on the way.” Why would this advice be necessary for a group that had already traveled the road several times?

What’s one explanation for these verses?

The most common answer to this question is that Joseph was telling his brothers that as they decided how to explain to Jacob that Joseph was still alive, they should not get into arguments about who was responsible for selling Joseph and deceiving their father in the first place. Yet this seems, to me, to be an unlikely explanation. After all, the news they had was good, and the later verses show that Jacob was so happy that Joseph was alive, that the explanations did not matter. Moreover, I do not think that Joseph would give a warning that could cause the very arguments hoped his brothers would avoid.

The midrash tells us that Joseph told his brothers if Jacob asks for proof that he is alive, they should tell him the last halacha that they studied together. Then Joseph cautions his brothers not to debate the rules about this particular law as they are traveling least they become so involved in their discussions that they lose track of the road and become lost. This is good advice for any traveler, we are always trying to find ways to pass the time. Even in our daily commute, if we become too engrossed in our thoughts or that podcast, we miss a turn and suddenly realize that we have no idea where we are. In any journey, we need to pay attention to what we are doing.